Planning Commissioners' Procedures Manual - Hamilton County, Ohio

• How do I Apply for a Conditional Use Zoning Certificate
An application for conditional use zoning certificate shall be accompanied by site plans, structural
details and additional information as outlined in the attached checklist. The completed
application packet and application fee shall be filed directly with the Board of Zoning Appeals.
You may schedule an appointment with the Administrator of the Board if you have questions or
wish to further discuss details of a case prior to submission. Requests for variance of a yard, bulk
or parking standard must be clearly stated in the letter of application as submitted to the Board.
Requests for modification of a streetscape or boundary buffer standard must be approved by
the Rural Zoning Commission prior to action by the Board of Zoning Appeals. These
applications and a more complete explanation of this process is contained in the User’s Guide
titled “Buffer Yards and General Landscape Standards”. Please request the information if it is
not already included with this document.
• What are the Processing Procedures for a Conditional Use
Minimum processing time for a Conditional Use Zoning Certificate is typically 62 days.
a) Within 5 days after filing a complete application, the BZA Administrator sets a public
hearing for between 30 and 62 days from that date.
b) A copy of the application is transmitted to the Regional Planning Commission for staff
review and recommendation.
c) Within 20 days after filing a complete application, a staff report with a recommendation
is sent to the BZA.
d) The BZA Administrator sends notice of the public hearing at least 10 days prior to such
hearing to the applicant, Township and property owners within 200 ft. A legal
advertisement is published in a local county newspaper.
e) BZA takes action within 21 days after public hearing.
f) If the application is approved:
1) Applicant must apply to the Rural Zoning Commission for a Zoning Certificate.
Upon issuance, the Conditional Use Zoning Certificate is valid for a period no longer
than one year unless a building permit has been issued or BZA has granted a time
extension.
2) Applicant applies to the Building Department for a Building Permit.
g) When the development is complete:
1) Applicant must file an affidavit of compliance with required conditions when
development completed.
2) A Final Zoning Inspection Certificate will be issued by the Zoning Field Inspector.
For additional information contact the Hamilton County Rural Zoning Commission located in
Room 804 of the County Administration Building, 138 E. Court Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202,
513-946-4501 (FAX) 513-946-4475.